Re: img img August 2 | Information Updated

[Katerina Georgiou]

August 2 | Information Updated-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------img August 2 | Information Updated------------img August 2 | Information Updated----------------img August 2 | Information Updated--------------

Dear Commissioners,
Thank you for accepting public comments regarding the proposed UGA expansion that has been requested by the City of
Anacortes.
Transition Fidalgo & Friends is an all-volunteer non-profit organization based in Anacortes and focused on helping to
build a resilient, low-carbon community that can move confidently into a challenging future. Resilience and carbon
reduction includes protecting wildlife biodiversity, reducing the waste-stream, re-thinking transportation impacts,
safeguarding natural resources, and providing long-term sustainable jobs. Allof these are concerns with any large
manufacturing project that might make use of the proposed 11-acre UGA expansion now being considered.
The site under consideration for the UGA expansion is very close to both the March Point heronry and Turner Bay
Estuary Restoration project that was accomplished through a significant expenditure of funds and Skagit County
partnership and now provides restored fish habitat. There are also several identified wetlands in the area.
A manufacturing project at the site of the proposed UGA expansion has the potential for significant adverse impacts to
the diversity of wildlife in the area during both construction and operation. We support the County conducting a careful
analysis and studies of wildlife habitat and wetlands before any decision is made to allow the expansion which would
open the door to a major manufacturing project. We request that we be informed of the continuing process and
opportunities to comment in the future regarding the UGA expansion and possible permitting processes for any future
manufacturing applications.
Respectfully yours,
Kind regards,

<!--App_START-->

Dear Commissioners,
Thank you for accepting public comments regarding the proposed UGA expansion that has been requested by the City of
Anacortes.
Transition Fidalgo & Friends is an all-volunteer non-profit organization based in Anacortes and focused on helping to
build a resilient, low-carbon community that can move confidently into a challenging future. Resilience and carbon
reduction includes protecting wildlife biodiversity, reducing the waste-stream, re-thinking transportation impacts,
safeguarding natural resources, and providing long-term sustainable jobs. Allof these are concerns with any large
manufacturing project that might make use of the proposed 11-acre UGA expansion now being considered.
The site under consideration for the UGA expansion is very close to both the March Point heronry and Turner Bay
Estuary Restoration project that was accomplished through a significant expenditure of funds and Skagit County
partnership and now provides restored fish habitat. There are also several identified wetlands in the area.
A manufacturing project at the site of the proposed UGA expansion has the potential for significant adverse impacts to
the diversity of wildlife in the area during both construction and operation. We support the County conducting a careful
analysis and studies of wildlife habitat and wetlands before any decision is made to allow the expansion which would
open the door to a major manufacturing project. We request that we be informed of the continuing process and
opportunities to comment in the future regarding the UGA expansion and possible permitting processes for any future
manufacturing applications.
Respectfully yours,
Kind regards,

Subject: FW: Post Adoption Hearing Regarding Interim Ordinance Declaring an Emergency and
Adopting a Moratorium on the Acceptance of Permit Applications for Major Utility
Development Projects Involving Electrical Energy Generation or Storage on Skagit
County Agric
From: Mikala Staples Hughes <mikala...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 7, 2024 2:00 PM
To: PDS comments <pdsco...@co.skagit.wa.us>
Subject: Post Adoption Hearing Regarding Interim Ordinance Declaring an Emergency and Adopting a Moratorium on
the Acceptance of Permit Applications for Major Utility Development Projects Involving Electrical Energy Generation or
Storage on Skagit County Agricu...
Dear Commissioners:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Interim Ordinance which declared an Emergency
and Adopted a Moratorium on Permit Application Acceptance for Major Utility Development Projects
on Ag-NRL lands.
Our county’s farmlands hold tremendous agricultural value—representing some of the most fertile
soils in the world. These soils sustain the diversity and quality of the crops we are known for,
including berries, tulips, and potatoes. The valley’s rich agricultural landscape, combined with its
natural beauty, is integral to our community and local economy.
While the county has taken measures to protect these lands, the current protections have,
unfortunately, made the land more attractive to outside interests, many of which have little to no
interest in farming. I was very pleased to see the passing of the interim ordinance, which strengthens
protections and ensures compliance with the state’s Growth Management Act. I fully support the
continuance of this ordinance while the county works toward establishing a permanent solution to
safeguard our agricultural lands from unsuitable development proposals in the future.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and for continuing to protect these valuable lands for
their intended agricultural purpose.
Kind Regards,
Mikala Staples Hughes
18065 Skagit City Road
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 770-7268
Comment # 1
1
Tara Satushek
From: Jack Moore
Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 3:07 PM
To: PDS comments; Robby Eckroth; Tara Satushek
Subject: FW: Proposed County Code Amendment - Electricity Generation and Storage
Attachments: Skagit County - PSE Ag-NRL Zoning Public Comment 10-04-24.pdf
From: Knoll, Robert <Robert...@pse.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 3:01 PM
To: Lisa Janicki <ljan...@co.skagit.wa.us>; Ron Wesen <ro...@co.skagit.wa.us>; Peter Browning
<pbro...@co.skagit.wa.us>
Cc: Jack Moore <jrm...@co.skagit.wa.us>; Hagin, Emily <Emily...@pse.com>
Subject: Proposed County Code Amendment - Electricity Generation and Storage
Commissioners –
Please see the attached letter regarding code amendment language passed by the Planning Commission last night. As
you consider this code, PSE requests time to allow for thoughtful deliberation and discussion on potential impacts to PSE
projects, ability to meet the energy needs of the County and our Clean Energy transition. We look forward to working
with the county on the proposed amendment.
Best regards,
-R
Robert Knoll
Local Government Affairs
Puget Sound Energy
Text/Call: 425-418-0987

Learn about our commitment to clean energy at pse.com/TOGETHER
Comment # 2
October 4, 2024
Skagit County Planning Commission
Skagit County Planning & Development Services
1800 Continental Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
RE: SCC 14.16.400(4)(h) Amendment and Moratorium to Major Electrical Utility Developments on
Ag-NRL Zoning
Dear Members of the Planning Commission:
On behalf of Puget Sound Energy (PSE), I would like to request this letter be submitted during the Skagit
, and on October 21, 2024, at the
amendments to the Skagit County Code 14.16.400(4)(h) regarding Major Electrical Utility Developments
and for the proposed interim moratorium on energy generation and storage facilities in zoned
agricultural land.
The Planning Commission on September 10th discussed proposed amendments to SCC 14.16.400(4)(h)
that would exclude energy generation and storage facilities as a permitted use in Ag-NRL zoning. Shortly
thereafter, the County imposed an interim moratorium halting the acceptance of permits for electrical
energy generation and storage facilities in Ag-NRL zoning. PSE is asking the County to take adequate
time to address policy concerns around this community issue. Moratoriums are typically followed by
more in depth policy conversations around code that include all impacted parties.
PSE understands that the County has both a strong interest in preserving agricultural lands and in
appropriately siting energy generation and storage facilities to support local growth, resiliency, and
clean energy goals. Allowing major energy generation and storage in Ag-NRL zones creates opportunities for beneficial generation and storage siting. For example, solar co-located with agricultural use, often
referred to as agrivoltaics, is an industry best-practice around the country and an emerging opportunity
in Washington State.1
Solar facilities can be built to carry out dual-use activities including crop
production, animal grazing, and pollinator habitat. This can provide farmers with opportunities to put
marginal lands to productive use and to diversify their revenue stream, which in some cases, allows
them to keep farming. Agricultural landowners should not be prohibited from accessing additional
revenue streams and providing much-needed local clean energy. 1

Similar to other electric utilities, PSE has seen an increase in demand for electricity, particularly in thetransportation and building sectors. Skagit County is no different with critical and growing energy needs
to meet local industrial, economic development, and population growth targets.
recent growth projections and allocations report set a county population growth target of 29,580 new
residents between 2022 and 2045 and an employment growth target of 20,526 new jobs between 2022and 2045. Correspondingly, we expect demand for energy to continue increasing over the planning
horizon.
To accommodate future energy needs, local grids may require new utility infrastructure like battery
energy storage systems (BESS) to maintain reliability and accommodate local growth and clean energy.
BESS can offer significant advantages by deferring or even eliminating the need for costly infrastructure
upgrades such as new transmission lines or substations. This minimizes the environmental and
community impact associated with large-scale construction and leads to cost savings for customers. The
integration of BESS in the local grid can create a more flexible, responsive, and future-proof grid,
enabling new growth while delaying the need for large-scale infrastructure expansions.
PSE has an obligation to identify potential impacts that local plans and development regulations may
We encourage
the County to avoid enacting measures that may create barriers or have unintended consequences to
ongoing climate change and clean energy initiatives. PSE strives to meet our by
maintaining a safe and reliable grid, offering clean and affordable energy, and by deploying distributedenergy resources.
As the County works through the proposed amendments, PSE requests consideration of the following
questions:
What clarity can the County provide around Minor, Major, and Regional Electric Utility
Development definitions?
What impact would disallowing electric generation and storage in Ag-NRL zones have on the
comprehensive plan update?
What impact would disallowing electric generation and storage in Agmaintenance and future capacity projects?
We look forward to working with the County on the proposed amendment. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact me at (360) 319-6424 or at emily...@pse.com. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Emily Hagin


7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org


Dear Commissioners,
Thank you for accepting public comments regarding the proposed UGA expansion that has been requested by the City of
Anacortes.
Transition Fidalgo & Friends is an all-volunteer non-profit organization based in Anacortes and focused on helping to
build a resilient, low-carbon community that can move confidently into a challenging future. Resilience and carbon
reduction includes protecting wildlife biodiversity, reducing the waste-stream, re-thinking transportation impacts,
safeguarding natural resources, and providing long-term sustainable jobs. Allof these are concerns with any large
manufacturing project that might make use of the proposed 11-acre UGA expansion now being considered.
The site under consideration for the UGA expansion is very close to both the March Point heronry and Turner Bay
Estuary Restoration project that was accomplished through a significant expenditure of funds and Skagit County
partnership and now provides restored fish habitat. There are also several identified wetlands in the area.
A manufacturing project at the site of the proposed UGA expansion has the potential for significant adverse impacts to
the diversity of wildlife in the area during both construction and operation. We support the County conducting a careful
analysis and studies of wildlife habitat and wetlands before any decision is made to allow the expansion which would
open the door to a major manufacturing project. We request that we be informed of the continuing process and
opportunities to comment in the future regarding the UGA expansion and possible permitting processes for any future
manufacturing applications.
Respectfully yours,
Kind regards,


m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs m82nz.bpycs
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Dear Commissioners,
Thank you for accepting public comments regarding the proposed UGA expansion that has been requested by the City of
Anacortes.
Transition Fidalgo & Friends is an all-volunteer non-profit organization based in Anacortes and focused on helping to
build a resilient, low-carbon community that can move confidently into a challenging future. Resilience and carbon
reduction includes protecting wildlife biodiversity, reducing the waste-stream, re-thinking transportation impacts,
safeguarding natural resources, and providing long-term sustainable jobs. Allof these are concerns with any large
manufacturing project that might make use of the proposed 11-acre UGA expansion now being considered.
The site under consideration for the UGA expansion is very close to both the March Point heronry and Turner Bay
Estuary Restoration project that was accomplished through a significant expenditure of funds and Skagit County
partnership and now provides restored fish habitat. There are also several identified wetlands in the area.
A manufacturing project at the site of the proposed UGA expansion has the potential for significant adverse impacts to
the diversity of wildlife in the area during both construction and operation. We support the County conducting a careful
analysis and studies of wildlife habitat and wetlands before any decision is made to allow the expansion which would
open the door to a major manufacturing project. We request that we be informed of the continuing process and
opportunities to comment in the future regarding the UGA expansion and possible permitting processes for any future
manufacturing applications.
Respectfully yours,
Kind regards,


7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org

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######
Dear Commissioners,
Thank you for accepting public comments regarding the proposed UGA expansion that has been requested by the City of
Anacortes.
Transition Fidalgo & Friends is an all-volunteer non-profit organization based in Anacortes and focused on helping to
build a resilient, low-carbon community that can move confidently into a challenging future. Resilience and carbon
reduction includes protecting wildlife biodiversity, reducing the waste-stream, re-thinking transportation impacts,
safeguarding natural resources, and providing long-term sustainable jobs. Allof these are concerns with any large
manufacturing project that might make use of the proposed 11-acre UGA expansion now being considered.
The site under consideration for the UGA expansion is very close to both the March Point heronry and Turner Bay
Estuary Restoration project that was accomplished through a significant expenditure of funds and Skagit County
partnership and now provides restored fish habitat. There are also several identified wetlands in the area.
A manufacturing project at the site of the proposed UGA expansion has the potential for significant adverse impacts to
the diversity of wildlife in the area during both construction and operation. We support the County conducting a careful
analysis and studies of wildlife habitat and wetlands before any decision is made to allow the expansion which would
open the door to a major manufacturing project. We request that we be informed of the continuing process and
opportunities to comment in the future regarding the UGA expansion and possible permitting processes for any future
manufacturing applications.
Respectfully yours,
Kind regards,
######



7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org

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7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
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7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org
7UPCZMJI4UQKFVRIPZYLX2YOBU0...@sexgdjdaurdc-jnmcig.org

Dear Commissioners,
Thank you for accepting public comments regarding the proposed UGA expansion that has been requested by the City of
Anacortes.
Transition Fidalgo & Friends is an all-volunteer non-profit organization based in Anacortes and focused on helping to
build a resilient, low-carbon community that can move confidently into a challenging future. Resilience and carbon
reduction includes protecting wildlife biodiversity, reducing the waste-stream, re-thinking transportation impacts,
safeguarding natural resources, and providing long-term sustainable jobs. Allof these are concerns with any large
manufacturing project that might make use of the proposed 11-acre UGA expansion now being considered.
The site under consideration for the UGA expansion is very close to both the March Point heronry and Turner Bay
Estuary Restoration project that was accomplished through a significant expenditure of funds and Skagit County
partnership and now provides restored fish habitat. There are also several identified wetlands in the area.
A manufacturing project at the site of the proposed UGA expansion has the potential for significant adverse impacts to
the diversity of wildlife in the area during both construction and operation. We support the County conducting a careful
analysis and studies of wildlife habitat and wetlands before any decision is made to allow the expansion which would
open the door to a major manufacturing project. We request that we be informed of the continuing process and
opportunities to comment in the future regarding the UGA expansion and possible permitting processes for any future
manufacturing applications.
Respectfully yours,
Kind regards,

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Dear Commissioners,
Thank you for accepting public comments regarding the proposed UGA expansion that has been requested by the City of
Anacortes.
Transition Fidalgo & Friends is an all-volunteer non-profit organization based in Anacortes and focused on helping to
build a resilient, low-carbon community that can move confidently into a challenging future. Resilience and carbon
reduction includes protecting wildlife biodiversity, reducing the waste-stream, re-thinking transportation impacts,
safeguarding natural resources, and providing long-term sustainable jobs. Allof these are concerns with any large
manufacturing project that might make use of the proposed 11-acre UGA expansion now being considered.
The site under consideration for the UGA expansion is very close to both the March Point heronry and Turner Bay
Estuary Restoration project that was accomplished through a significant expenditure of funds and Skagit County
partnership and now provides restored fish habitat. There are also several identified wetlands in the area.
A manufacturing project at the site of the proposed UGA expansion has the potential for significant adverse impacts to
the diversity of wildlife in the area during both construction and operation. We support the County conducting a careful
analysis and studies of wildlife habitat and wetlands before any decision is made to allow the expansion which would
open the door to a major manufacturing project. We request that we be informed of the continuing process and
opportunities to comment in the future regarding the UGA expansion and possible permitting processes for any future
manufacturing applications.
Respectfully yours,
Kind regards,
--[BND1]1
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Content-ID: <m82nz.bpycs>
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